Local's Guide to Oman's Best Hotels
Local's Guide to Oman's Best Hotels
Cait Shaw
Living in Oman, I have sampled many of the Sultanate's hotels, up and down the country. These are my top recommendations, covering a range of budgets and locations.
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Muscat
Budget
Behlys Boutique
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Very different to Muscat’s other accommodation offerings, this sweet guesthouse offers bed and breakfast with a really homely feel. Rooms are clean and the dappled garden is a lovely place to sit after a busy day sightseeing.
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Mid Range
Levatio Suites Muscat, a member of Radisson Individuals
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Unbelievably good value in a city awash with five star hotels! Serviced, self-catering apartments with a rooftop swimming pool overlooking the city and Sultan Qaboos Mosque.
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Royal Tulip Muscat
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Excellent mid range option, close to Sultan Qaboos Mosque with a rooftop swimming pool. Breakfast can be a bit hit and miss.
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Luxury
The Chedi Muscat – a GHM hotel
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The Chedi’s seafood restaurant is excellent, if astronomically expensive! Excellent selection of really fresh, really good seafood and dish dishes accompanied by great service. It is set right on the beach, so you can listen to the waves rolling in as you dine. ]
The Chedi is undoubtedly Muscat’s most visually stunning hotel – traditional Omani architecture and cool courtyards make this a tranquil and serious luxurious base in the centre of the city. It is proudly home to the Middle East’s longest pool, and probably the most beautiful gym I have ever seen! The basic rooms are a bit pricey for what they are, so always make sure to check out the current offers or upgrade to a club room if you are able to.
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Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel
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Our go to for any celebration in Muscat! Even if you don’t stay at the Bustan I would strongly recommend adding a trip here for afternoon tea to your itinerary. The atrium is a spectacular setting, and the service always genuinely excellent. The cakes and sandwiches are always fantastic – and locally inspired – and I think great value for a bit of indulgence in one of Oman’s most luxurious 5* hotels. One portion is 12.50 OMR, and is plenty for two people to share. Booking is essential and the dress code is smart casual – no jeans or shorts permitted.
Who wouldn’t want to stay in a Sultan’s actual palace?! The ninth floor of this hotel is reserved for the exclusive use of Sultan Haitham. This is my ultimate Muscat beach hotel – try and get a lagoon room. This Muscat institution may seem a bit out of town, but offers free shuttle services to the Grand Mosque and Muttrah for guests.
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W Muscat
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Aimed at a younger crowd, the pools at this modern design hotel are a popular weekend hangout for Muscat’s expats. Rooms are spacious and many have great views over the Gulf of Oman. Well located for both the main tourist attractions and dining options (within walking distance) in the popular area of Shatti Al Qurum.
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Wahiba Sands
Of all Oman’s landscapes, the desert is possibly my favourite (closely followed by the wadis!). It is a magical environment. Oman has plenty of luxurious glamping camps to cater to the more discerning traveller.
Budget
Oman desert private camp
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A more basic option than the others on this list. The raised tent structures are spread out, and it has a more low key and private feel. If you are looking for an authentic desert camping experience, with a few mod cons, this is a good option. Transfers are included in the room rate.
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Mid Range
Sama Al Wasil Camp
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Part of the popular Sama chain of hotels. Sat between two large dunes with a variety of activities on offer.
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Luxury
Thousand Nights Camp
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41km into the dunes, this is about as far in as you can get and keep a hold of civilisation! Variety of room types on offer, but mostly based around comfortable, solid ‘tents’ with canvas roofs. Range of activities are available – such as camel rides and dune drives – but they are eye-wateringly expensive. Using the swimming pool in the middle of the desert however is free! Transfers available for 20 OMR per vehicle.
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Desert Nights Camp - eleven Km to camp
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Not as deep into the dunes as 1000 Nights, but similar vibe with fixed, solid tent-like structures. Slightly more luxurious than 1000 Nights, but the food is not as good. Range of activities on offer, all very expensive! Licensed. Some rooms have small pools.
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Sur and Ras al Jinz
Mid Range
Sur Plaza Hotel
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Clean, comfortable rooms in a modern hotel with swimming pool. Licensed to serve alcohol.
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Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve
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Permanent tents and hotel style rooms in the main building. The eco tents are air conditioned and well appointed with private bathrooms. Although the “sea facing” tents have a lovely view, they are located in a bit of a wind tunnel. If you are a light sleeper I would recommend asking for one the tents lower down. Tasty, but simple, breakfast buffet. Dinner (8 OMR) is not fantastic, so I would recommend taking a picnic to eat on the terrace of your tent instead.
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Sama Ras Al Jinz
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Very short drive to the turtle reserve, with comfortable rooms. More affordable than the reserve, with a slightly higher standard of accommodation and food.
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The Coastal Route
Budget
Wadi Shab Guesthouse
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Small friendly guest house just outside Tiwi. Simple, comfortable and clean rooms. Pay the few extra rials for the rooms with lovely sea views.
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Mid Range
wadi alarbeieen resort
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One of my favourite hidden gems in Oman! Incredible location right by the beautiful Wadi Al Arbeieen. Spacious, comfortable rooms with rates that include breakfast and dinner. Rooms are fairly minimal and simple, but there are lots of peaceful communal spaces to relax in.
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Jebel Akhdar
Budget
Sama Wakan Heritage Homes
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Rooms are basic but comfortable, with added heritage details. It is also the only place to eat in the village, and a simple (but very tasty!) dinner and breakfast are included in the price.
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Mid Range
Sama Hotel Aljabal Alakhdar
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Identical views to the Anantara next door, but at a fraction of the price. There is a small pool, but as with all on top of Jebel Akhdar can be cold in winter months. The recent addition of a lovely, light, airy coffee shop is super. A fantastic option if the prices of the Alila and Anantara put you off.
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Luxury
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort
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All rooms have fantastic views, with minimalist and elegant decor. Designed to emulate an Omani fort. The central courtyard is seriously beautiful, and has a lovely vibe for evening drinks. It is not hard to see how this hotel has frequently topped some of the “best hotel” lists worldwide.
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Alila Jabal Akhdar
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My favourite hotel (to date!) in Oman! Luxury rooms and an infinity pool perched on the edge of a 2,000m gorge.
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Nizwa
Budget
Antique Inn - Nizwa
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Easy walking distance to both the souq and the Fort, set in lovely gardens in the old quarter with views from the roof terrace over the fort. Rooms are basic, but spacious and comfortable, designed to replicate a traditional Omani house. There is also a small, courtyard pool. Be aware that although surprisingly comfortable, beds are low matresses on the floor – this might not be the best pick if you have mobility issues. Dinner can be booked on arrival – it is simple, but delicious.
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Nizwa Heritage Inn نزل نزوى التراثية
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Converted townhouse behind the souq. Rooms offer a glimpse into traditional life in the old quarter. Basic but comfortable, with lovely traditional design features and fabrics. The simple Omani breakfast was delicious.
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Mid Range
Golden Tulip Nizwa
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If you want something more international and luxurious, this is for you. Rooms are modern, clean and spacious. There is a large pool and an onsite international restaurant. It is a way out of town, so if you want to go to eat out in the evening you will need to drive.
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Al Hamra
Budget
حصن المسفاة Hissen Al-Misfah
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Recently renovated guesthouse in Misfat. The view from the terrace is gorgeous. Rooms are simple, but comfortable and all have air conditioning.
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Misfah Old House
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Adorable, tiny guesthouse situated within the plantation. Rooms are small, but have air conditioning. Parking is a ten minute walk away so pack light.
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Mid Range
The View
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A really wonderful hotel! A fraction of the cost of the Alila or Anantara on Jebel Akhdar, but with amazing views and a real feeling of being perched on the edge of Jebel Shams. Accessible with a 2WD. Fantastic infinity pool, with views over Al Hamra. Rooms all have private terraces out over the view, and the night time views from the bathtub are gorgeous.
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Jebel Shams
Mid Range
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Jebel Shams Resort منتجع جبل شمس
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Cosy stone cabins, and a selection of Arab-style tents. The pool is unheated.
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Birkat Al Mouz
Budget
Bait AlSabah Heritage Inn & Cafe
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Gorgeously renovated house in the ruined village of Birkat al Mouz. The restoration has been done sympathetically and feels entirely in keeping with the ruined village around it - in a good way! As this is an old traditional building, rooms are small and have limited storage. For dinner you will need to drive into Nizwa but breakfast is served in the guesthouse and the lovely cafe sells cakes and drinks during the day.
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Salalah and Dhofar
Mid Range
Souly Lodge
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Beach hut type vibe in comfortable wooden cabins on stilts, with thatched roofs and outdoor showers. The setting on the vast white sand beach is pretty special. The waves here make swimming rather tricky, so be aware of the currents if you walk along the water.
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Luxury
Alila Hinu Bay
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I have adored all the Alila hotels I have been lucky enough to stay at, and Hinu Bay is no different! As with the entire Alila brand, the architecture and design is gorgeous. Rooms are very spacious, the beach is vast and the spa delightful! There are two restaurants on site - one serving Mediterranean and Arabic dishes, the other South East Asia cuisine.
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Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara
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In keeping with the rest of the Anantara brand, this is serious luxury melded with traditional Omani architecture. On a pristine beach and next to a freshwater lagoon. Lots of sports facilities and a great spa.
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Musandam
Budget
Khasab Hotel
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Basic, clean and comfortable accommodation with a good breakfast. Location is excellent for exploring.
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Mid Range
Atana Musandam Resort
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Great views from almost all of the bedrooms. Big airy rooms, with dark woods and surprisingly sharp design aesthetic given the price point. 105 rooms but seems smaller, with a boutique-hotel-style ambience. The hotel is family-friendly, with a separate children’s swimming pool, and alcohol-free.
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Luxury
Six Senses Zighy Bay
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The most luxurious and highly sought after hotel in Oman! Tucked into a secluded bay with crystal clear, dolphin filled waters, this is the ultimate bucket list type of stay!
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And finally… Camping!
If you are an outdoor lover and a fan of camping, Oman has to be near the top of the list for your next adventure. Wild camping is legal, there are miles upon miles of, often empty, highways, and fuel and car hire costs are relatively low.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cait Shaw
Hi! I'm Cait! I am a frequent expat and passionate language learner. I have lived in Oman, England, Scotland, France, Russia, China and Australia, and to date, have been lucky enough to travel to over 55 other countries!
I have travelled extensively throughout the Arabian Peninsula, having lived in Oman for several years, so let me help you plan the trip of a lifetime to this fascinating region, and allow you to get behind the headlines and usual tourist hotspots. I can save you hours researching hotels, itineraries and where to eat - and take the stress and worry out of travelling to a less familiar destination. Tried and tested recommendations from a local expat.
There are also few corners of my home nation - the United Kingdom - I have not yet explored, so know exactly where to recommend for you to have the very best trip to England, Scotland and Wales. These are the tips that will get you to the best historic castles, the most dramatic beaches and the tastiest pubs!
I have travelled extensively around Europe, and in particular through France, including having lived in Paris. If you are thinking of visiting in 2024 for the Paris Summer Olympics I can help you design an incredible itinerary to make the most of this gorgeous country, as well as seeing some world class sport!
I look forward to helping you organise the trip of a lifetime!
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